What:

The USPS Texas 2 District and Houston, TX Animal Control are hosting a press conference to discuss the Postal Service’s safety program, provide materials to promote safety for postal employees, and raise awareness among our customers of how best to prevent dog bites.

Who:

Julia Wilbert, Houston Postmaster, USPS
Joe Chavez, Spring, TX, Acting Postmaster USPS
Tammie Turner, Texas 2 District Manager, Safety, USPS
BARC- Houston, TX Representatives

When:

Monday, June 16, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For news media only: RSVP to kanickewa.p.johnson@usps.gov by 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2023

Where:

Woodlands Metro Post Office
9450 Pinecroft Dr., Woodlands, Texas 77380

Background:

As part of the USPS 2025 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which runs from June 1 to June 30, the Postal Service is dedicated to educating postal employees and the public about essential safety tips. It emphasizes the importance of increased owner responsibility in preventing dog attacks. Last year, more than 6,000 Postal Service employees were victims of dog attacks. In Houston, Texas, incidents of dog attacks on postal workers rose by 16% compared to the previous year. In fact, Texas ranked second in the nation for the number of postal employees attacked by dogs in 2023, with over 56 cases reported in Houston alone. In 2024, that number increased to over 65. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average insurance claim for a dog bite amounts to $64,555. We believe that by providing effective information and strategies, we can help reduce these often costly and painful incidents. Help spread the word about the campaign using the hashtag #dogbiteawareness. This year’s theme is “Secure Your Dog, Keep Deliveries on Track.”

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